Immigration denies entry to Maldives for 248 tourists due to false hotel bookings

A large number of tourists who had tried to enter Maldives with falsified hotel bookings have been denied entry. 

Via a tweet today, the Controller of Immigration Mohamed Ahmed Hussain (Hanafy) stated that a total of 248 individuals who had tried to enter the Maldives with falsified hotel bookings were stopped at the airport and was denied entry yesterday.

Hanafy also thanked the Immigration officers who were able to identify the fraud and reassured that Maldives Immigration will remain vigilant to safeguard the borders of the Maldives.

“Thanks to vigilant officers for identifying the fraud. I take this opportunity to assure that we will remain firm to safeguard the borders of the Maldives,” he had said.

Hanafy also advised travelers to comply with the entry requirements and to be attentive to changes to the border control measures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourists arriving in the Maldives must have a confirmed hotel, resort, or guesthouse booking in addition to a negative PCR test - even if they are fully vaccinated.